Autism Advocacy & Support
We have two strands of support for Autistic children and young people.
We have specialists who carry out diagnostic assessments of Autism. We offer a multidisciplinary approach to ensure our assessments are thorough and robust. We of course make sure that we follow the Now, Next & Then brief of being completely child-centered.
Our Autism Advocacy & Support Specialists support Autistic children and young people (or those whose Autism is yet to be formally diagnosed) in any environment where challenges need to be overcome or advocacy is needed.
What is Autism Advocacy & Support?
Autism Advocacy & Support provides pretty much what it says on the tin. Our specialists (qualified to graduate level or above) have developed understanding over many, many years to be able to support Autistic children on a level that is exceptionally special. No two children are the same and it goes without saying that, unsurprisingly, this is the case for Autistic children too. If you are looking for generic, text book advice from a self-professed expert then please look elsewhere, because that’s not what we are about. All support is totally individualised for your child (and you) so that his/her/their confidence visibly grows. Change will also be facilitated amongst those who support or work with your child on a daily basis and your child will be coached to understand how to rise to the challenge of everyday life.
How do we know our child needs this help?
There may be times when your child finds it hard to participate in the classroom, playground or local community, or has anxieties and poor self-esteem; this is often because the expectations and pressures on him or her are not realistic, or even justified. We often hear adults (afraid to say it!) saying that the child needs to change to be able to fit into the ‘neurotypical’ world. We ask, why? Why try to squeeze a square peg into a round hole? We think about the hole itself and problem solve ways to make that hole adapt or change shape so that your child can fit right in. Your child may not realise that they are under pressure, but you may be worried about behaviours or friendships, or your child’s school may have flagged a concern. Our specialist will ‘have your child’s back’ at all times.
How does it work?
Your child will spend quality time with one of our specialists, whether this is at school, home or in the community. Time will be spent talking through daily concerns, working on particular goals, navigating what it means to be Autistic or simply ‘hanging out’! Our specialist is able to coach your child in a way that no ‘direct’ interaction in a ‘sit-down-and-talk-Autism’ way is needed. As a result, your child will grow in happiness, confidence and self-assurance. He or she will learn to self-challenge, overcome and share thoughts or ideas, as well as accommodate change in an entirely safe and accepting space. Our specialist will listen and gently praise, so that your child’s progress will be paced at the right speed for them. The ultimate goal is for your child to feel happy in their own skin.
We also have the option of your child spending time with other members of our team, should that be helpful for exploring and navigating this important journey through childhood and adoloescence, so that self-confidence is boosted even further.
We will always put your child first
Everything we do is motivated by the child, in this case, your child. We promise that our specialist will always ensure your child feels accepted for who he or she is (by all members of the Now, Next & Then team too). Your child will learn about who they are and what fabulous skills and abilities they have; it follows that our specialist will always promote your child as the awesome person he or she is. On from that wherever and whenever your child needs an advocate, our specialist will be there too. This may be in the classroom, at meetings, settling into a new environment or at home with coaching family members.
What can we expect?
Help is here for you too, so please be assured that you can expect support with integrity. Our specialist will listen, respect and support you, as well as your child. If you would find it helpful, you will be coached to understand the nuances of your child’s Autism and be enlightened with details of your child’s daily experience. As your child’s advocate, our specialist will be by your side to ensure that your child’s school or setting is empowered to make positive changes, totally so that your child will flourish.
Let us reframe your child’s future, today
Now, Next & Then provides the very best collaborative working, with the highest standard of professional integrity, to ensure quality support for everyone.
There are no hidden costs.
Our travel time and expenses are not charged.
Now, Next & Then is exempt from VAT.